A team to study the existing program for Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate was assigned by the president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Technologist Section July 2013.

The task force included a range of stakeholders across profession, these included practicing technologists, research technologists, NMAAs, corporate representatives, educators, and physicians. Post the study various programs were identified which included business administration and master’s degree. However, there is a lack of programs for technologists that are interested in careers across clinical research. This was mainly in field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

A team to study the existing program for Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate was assigned by the president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Technologist Section July 2013.

The task force included a range of stakeholders across profession, these included practicing technologists, research technologists, NMAAs, corporate representatives, educators, and physicians. Post the study various programs were identified which included business administration and master’s degree. However, there is a lack of programs for technologists that are interested in careers across clinical research. This was mainly in field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

In December 2013, the team suggested that they support a graduate-level education program. The program will be focused on nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. This document studies only the NMAA and further studies the history and present state of the NMAA.

THE CURRENT STATE

The need for mid-level companies is growing more in nuclear medicine. Due to the aging of physicians and conclusion of various residency programs. The number of experienced nuclear medicine physicians will lessen. However, owing to the continuous technology innovations and radiotracers unique molecular imaging techniques, the difficulty of nuclear medicine will demand qualified workforce.

Understanding the requirement, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, along with the University of Missouri–Columbia and Saint Louis University, established a master’s-level NMAA program in the year 2009. The NMAA program is developed to help student’s preferring for distance learning model. This gives the students advantage of experience and education together. Various clinical instructions are a part of the place of employment. Once the course is complete the student would have adequate knowledge in terms of theory as well as practical.

NMAA certi?cation examination offered by the NMTCB were examined in the month of January2014. A survey was conducted on students that have passed the NMAA. The plan was to understand the full potential of NMAA mid-level students. The response received was approximately 73%, wherein respondents were to evaluate on the basis of 1-7. The value 4 was inadequate one and 7 was exceptional value. Here, most of the scores were summarized as students being happy and content with the course structure and way ahead. Some NMAA graduates defined as functioning and being known as an NMAA mid-level provider. Some others mentioned that their employment classi?cation was of a technologist in the nuclear medicine. These people use advanced skills at regular intervals that were within the scope of practice of an NMAA.

NEXT STEPS

Till now, the NMAA professions have had a slow and steady start. It is now the time to bridge the gap and create a better career in the future.

Making new Programs

No formal request for the plans has been received and the upcoming step is to ensure that financial support to help cover the costs involved with these programs. Another crucial factor is the encouragement from various professional nuclear medicine community. This will help in completing the overall activity. Furthermore, need of marketing and visibility to push development of new programs. Standardization and Review of the courseware is also important. The existing curriculum of NMAA is governed by the Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate Guidelines and the examination content of NMTCB NMAA. The information and data for the documents was researched and compiled by physicians and technologists. Post application of the curriculum and graduate reporting, curricular review is desirable. Display of a standard and latest curriculum is also important.

Once there is a method to assist educational institutions ?nancially with the help of NMAA programs, the way instructions are given can be decided. The present model is devoted to the distance learning way which is online. However, various models might include classroom training or a mixed of both.

Authorization and Errors

Presently there is no scope for programmatic accreditation or mistakes in NMAA programs. This is neither thoughtless nor elusive. The current program that is being by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences gets institutional accreditation. This is by the higher learning commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Validation through Credentialing and Licensure

Presently there is no mechanism to move the NMAA profession closer to licensure. Most of the graduates that are working in the sector have mentioned that the training is informal.

As licensure currently are in challenging atmosphere due to less number of NMAAs there is a need for other and better mechanisms to market these courses. Recognizing across various institutional committees that assist and sponsor physicians.

Physician Participation

A crucial part of the NMAA program is the training of technologists for the post of clinicians. With the help of dedicated resources, the important task of giving instructions to mid-level providers is accomplished.

A part of both the NMAA scope of practice and the NMTCB certi?cation examination gives outline as training on various advanced topics like physical examination skills and therapeutic interventions along with pathophysiology. Lack of in-depth study of various diseases was observed and hence the need for physicians that are aware and willing to teach the science of medicine.

Till now the students from NMAA have been able to get excellent clinicians who further impart the required knowledge and skills. However, it is evident that if there is growth there may be a shortage of physicians. This is the reason due to which most people think it is important to promote the need of qualified physicians.

CONCLUSION

The present trend across the medicine is growing towards larger roles for the mid-level providers. As per a survey across graduates having better and advanced training indicated a need for training. There is a need of strategic implementation and course structure in the field of nuclear medicine.